6 Rallies, Runs, and Races to Add Challenge and Adventure to Your Trip Up North This October

Are you planning a trip Up North this month? Like many visitors to northern Wisconsin, you strive to be active, and you’re always looking for the next challenge. It’s a perfect time of year to enjoy the weather, the foliage, and the beautiful scenery of northern Wisconsin. It could also be your last opportunity to get out there and enjoy these sports before the trails are covered in snow. So register for a race, fun run, or rally happening Up North in October!

You have many options to choose from this month: on-road or off road, silent sports or motorized sports, fun runs or competitive racing events, short-distance or endurance events. Here are just a few of the exciting sporting events coming up this month.

ATV/UTV

Pumpkin Run ATV/UTV Rally – Mercer – October 10–12

The Pumpkin Run ATV/UTV Rally kicks off with a three-day poker run on Thursday, October 10, at 3 p.m. Register in advance online. The $20 fee includes a poker sheet, commemorative bandanna, and the opportunity to win cash prizes and door prizes. The Poker Run includes stops at businesses throughout Iron County with lots of great riding along the way. On Friday, October 11, attend the ATV, UTV, and Lawn Tractor Pull at Liberty Way Tap House. Test your skills against the Z Force ATV Sled from the Tuscobia Trails ATV Association. This event is presented by the Mercer Dusty Loons ATV Club and the Mercer Area Chamber of Commerce. The Great Pumpkin ATV/UTV Parade takes place on Saturday, October 12. Decorations or costumes aren’t required, but there will be prizes for the best decorated Halloween-themed vehicles. Join the wrap-up party on Saturday, directly following the parade. There will be music, food, drinks, door prizes, and raffle prizes to enjoy.

Bike

Hibernator 100 – Laona – October 5

The Laona Rescue Squad hosts the Hibernator 100, a limited-support gravel road adventure bike ride through the scenic Nicolet National Forest. Choose your distance: 32 miles, 100K, or 100 miles. The ride starts and ends at Jar’s Bar and Grill. The fee for this event is a donation to the Laona Rescue Squad, 100 percent of which will support the rescue squad’s ongoing effort to provide outstanding emergency service to the community by providing them with training and the purchase of equipment. The 63-mile and 100-mile rides start at 8 a.m. The 32-mile ride begins at 9 a.m. There will be food available at JARS starting at 11 a.m., and a raffle will be held at 2 p.m.

Ironbull Red Granite Grinder Bike Race – Wausau – October 19

Here is your chance to explore the western portion of Marathon County on several areas that can only be accessed through the Ironbull Red Granite Grinder‘s 140- and 80-mile routes. You will pass through ginseng fields, dairy farm pastures, barns, and farm fields. Riders of the 140-mile course will test their grit through a variety of hills. The top male and female climbers will be crowned King and Queen of the Hill. The 12-mile route designed to showcase the area’s bike routes for all ability levels. Riders of all ages will enjoy several dedicated bike and pedestrian paths on this family-friendly route. You can even participate in the ride with a bike cart for the kids or on a tandem for your significant other.

Run/Walk

Cranberry Fest Berry Bog Jog 5K Run/Walk – Eagle River – October 5

This family-friendly 5K run/walk starts in scenic Riverview Park. The Cranberry Fest Berry Bog Jog‘s well-marked route is flat, fast, and great for strollers and children. Each paid participant receives a special T-shirt. The Christ Lutheran Church Youth Group and the Eagle River Area Chamber of Commerce co-produce this event. The race starts at 8:30 a.m. Be sure to stick around afterward to enjoy the vendors, tours, and entertainment at the Cranberry Fest!

Helene’s Hilltop Orchard’s 2019 Leaf Pile Run – Merrill – October 12

This fun and festive 5K run/walk and children’s 1K run event helps support the Wisconsin Valley Athletic Medicine Association. Funds raised from the Leaf Pile Run helps to provide free baseline concussion tests to local student-athletes. All 5K and 1K participants receive a complimentary wristband to enjoy a hayride, corn maze, cow train, and play area on October 12. The scenic 5K course winds through the orchard and local roads. The 1K course is contained within the apple orchard. While strollers are welcome, please be advised that the path through the orchard has pebbled sections. Please leave your pets at home for this event. The 5K begins at 9 a.m., and the 1K begins at 10 a.m. Refreshments are available to participants after the race.

Three Eagle Half Marathon and 5K – Three Lakes – October 12

The point-to-point courses of the Three Eagle Half Marathon and 5K take you along the gorgeous Three Eagle Trail, which is topped with crushed limestone and mostly flat. Please note that because you will be running on a paved road for 1.5 miles, spikes are not recommended. You will also cross boardwalks and a bridge en route. Shuttle services will take you from the Reiter Center to the race start (8:00 to 8:30 a.m. for half marathon participants, 8:00 to 8:40 a.m. for 5K participants).